This middle-aged father walked onto the stage, nerves hidden behind a brave smile. He told the judges he was here to sing for them, but when he announced he’d be taking on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” a few skeptical looks passed between the judges. Some of them couldn’t help but wonder if he was aiming too high. But when he sang? Everything changed. His voice, raw and full of heart, poured out with such power that by the end, not only had the judges teared up, but his son—sitting in the audience—was hearing his dad sing for the very first time. Simon Cowell, usually hard to impress, wiped away his own tears and said, “I’ve heard that song a lot. I’ve sat in this chair a long time, and it was one of the most brilliant auditions I have ever heard.”
When Jeff Gutt walked out onto the stage of The X-Factor, he was just hoping that he could show off some skills and get a little publicity for his local singing …
This middle-aged father walked onto the stage, nerves hidden behind a brave smile. He told the judges he was here to sing for them, but when he announced he’d be taking on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” a few skeptical looks passed between the judges. Some of them couldn’t help but wonder if he was aiming too high. But when he sang? Everything changed. His voice, raw and full of heart, poured out with such power that by the end, not only had the judges teared up, but his son—sitting in the audience—was hearing his dad sing for the very first time. Simon Cowell, usually hard to impress, wiped away his own tears and said, “I’ve heard that song a lot. I’ve sat in this chair a long time, and it was one of the most brilliant auditions I have ever heard.” Read More
